Benefits Of Family Planning Research Articles

Magnitude of anemia and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in governmental health facilities of Shashemene Town, Oromia region, Ethiopia.

Anemia during pregnancy is a common issue that significantly affects the health of both the mother and her child. Globally, anemia is a major public health concern, affecting both developing and developed countries, with approximately 1.3 billion people affected. Pregnant women are among the most vulnerable to anemia. To assess the magnitude and risk factors of anemia among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Shashemene Town, Oromia, Ethiopia. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 391 pregnant women in Shashemene Town in April 2022. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires, along with laboratory examinations of blood and stool samples. The data were entered into EpiData 3.1 and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. Bivariate logistic regression was performed, and variables with a p-value of <0.25 were included in the multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify factors associated with anemia. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% CIs were calculated, and a p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Finally, the results are presented using narration, descriptive statistics, such as tables, graphs, and charts. The prevalence of anemia was found to be 30.9% (95% CI: 26.4, 35.4%). Factors significantly associated with a reduced risk of anemia included high dietary diversity (AOR = 0.217, 95% CI: 0.105-0.451), no history of excessive menstrual bleeding (AOR = 0.162, 95% CI 0.076-0.345), age 25-34 years (AOR = 0.391, 95% CI 0.173-0.883), and age ≥ 35 years (AOR = 0.068, 95% CI 0.011-0.444). Conversely, a mild upper arm circumference (MUAC) of <23 cm (AOR = 4.939, 95% CI 2.330-10.469), no use of contraceptives (AOR = 4.935, 95% CI 2.207-11.032), and no iron supplementation use (AOR = 3.588, 95% CI 1.794-7.175) were significantly associated with an increased risk of anemia. According to the WHO classification, anemia in this study was found to be a moderate public health issue. High dietary diversity, no previous excessive menstrual bleeding, and age were significantly associated with a reduced risk of anemia, whereas a MUAC of <23 cm, no contraceptive use, and no iron supplementation were significantly associated with an increased risk of anemia. Therefore, promoting diverse diets among pregnant women, providing counseling on the benefits of family planning and iron-folic acid supplements, and improving women's education and empowerment are essential.

Sociocultural factors influencing utilization of reproductive health services in selected South Sudan public health facilities

Background: Africa faces significant maternal health challenges, with nearly half of maternal deaths occurring in the region. Insufficient reproductive health services account for 18% of the global disease burden, disproportionately affecting women of reproductive age at 32%. Despite the benefits of family planning, only 13% of married women in Sub-Saharan Africa use contraceptives. This study aimed to identify sociocultural factors influencing the utilization of RHS in South Sudan's public health facilities. Methods: Using a mixed-methods approach, the research combined a longitudinal ecological study and an analytical cross-sectional study. Data from the South Sudan Ministry of Health (2015-2020) were reviewed, and community members and health professionals were surveyed across four levels of the health system in Western and Central Equatoria states. The study focused on women aged 15-49, with 384 respondents selected from various counties. Results: The study indicated that 72.5% of respondents utilized RHS, with family planning and STI prevention/management being the most common services (25.1% each). Maternal/newborn care and HIV counseling/testing followed at 18.1% and 15.3%, respectively. While RHS uptake increased overall, specific declines were noted in the third quarter of each year. Utilization was significantly higher among respondents aged 30 and older, urban residents, and those with higher educational levels. Conclusions: The study highlights a positive trend in RHS uptake but underscores the need to address declines in specific services. Age, residence, and education significantly influence RHS utilization. Policy interventions should consider South Sudan's unique sociocultural contexts and demographics. Enhancing education and awareness, especially in rural areas, is crucial to improving RHS access and reducing maternal mortality rates.

Factors associated with family planning use among refugee and host populations in Adjumani district, West Nile, Uganda: a comparative study

IntroductionUganda currently hosts an estimated 1.5 million refugees. The refugees have challenges in accessing family planning (FP) services in the host country. The study aimed to investigate factors associated with FP use among host and refugee populations in Adjumani district, Uganda.MethodsA comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2021 in three refugee settlements and their host communities in Adjumani district. A total of 1,310 respondents, (664 refugees and 646 host) were randomly selected using multistage cluster sampling and interviewed. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using STATA V.15. Descriptive and Multivariate analysis performed.ResultsWe found that modern Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (mCPR) was 30.2% (32.2% for host and 28.2% for refugees). Multivariate analysis showed that women who live singly (AOR = 2.25, 95%, CI: 1.56 -3.84), completed primary education [AOR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.27–2.16], acquired skills [AOR = 2.28, 95% CI: 2.11–2.47], have the desire for another child [AOR = 3.73, 95% CI: 1.45- 9.60], have stayed in the study area between 3–5 years [AOR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.46–3.42] were statistically significantly associated with FP use among both refugee and host populations. The key barrier to FP use by host was harassment of women and separation/divorce for not consulting the family members. Whereas amongst the refugees, they do not want to use FP methods.ConclusionOur findings revealed low FP use amongst both populations in Adjumani district. The main factors associated with FP use amongst refugee populations included marital status, level of education, type of occupation, and duration of stay in the study area whereas amongst the host is the marital status. Main reasons for not using FP methods included fear of side effects by hosts and not wanting to use FP by refugees. There is need to sensitize both communities about the benefits of FP at community level.

Effectiveness of Counseling on Long-Term Contraceptive Methods through Leaflets during the Covid-19 Pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic in Indonesia is currently entering a new normal period or the implementation of the New Habit Adaptation protocol. This condition has reduced the number of family planning participation so that it is feared that it could cause a baby boom or an increase in the number of pregnancies and births. For this reason, serious efforts need to be made in order to increase the number of family planning participation again. During this Covid-19 pandemic, as much as possible should avoid crowds so that cases of Covid-19 transmission do not occur. One of the efforts that can be done is through counseling with leaflet media. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of health education using media leaflets about long-term contraceptive methods during the new normal for women of childbearing age. The study was conducted in Leran Village with a total population of 1, 506 then obtained the number of samples as many as 316 respondents. Sampling technique using probability sampling with proportional random sampling technique. This type of research is a quasi-experimental with pretest-posttest one group design. Data analysisused the Wilcoxon test to see the effectiveness anddetermine the difference before and after giving counseling.The result of this research is that there is an effect after it is donecounseling with leaflet media on women of childbearing age knowledge in Leran Village. It is hoped that the role of health workers and health cadres will always carry out promotions and education about the benefits of family planning, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Effect of postpartum family planning intervention and associated factors during child immunization in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

World Health Organization (WHO) recommends postpartum family planning (PPFP) as a critical component of health care that has the potential to save millions of maternal and infant lives in low- and middle-income countries. participants in our randomized, controlled trial were mothers coming for vaccination of their child in three selected health centers in Addis Ababa during the first 10 weeks postpartum. Eligible mothers were randomly assigned to intervention (pamphlet-supported counseling about the benefits of family planning) and non-intervention (routine care) arms. Data were collected when mothers came with their infants for a routine measles vaccination at nine months of life. Family planning (FP) use was compared between the groups using logistic regression, and bivariate and multivariate analyses. The study also used Kaplan Meier and Cox regressions to compare the median time of PPFP use and its correlation using SPSS version 26. The research was undertaken from December 2019 to June 2021. a total of 347 women (177 control, 170 intervention) enrolled in the study. Fifty-eight percent were 24-30 years old. Young age, knowledge about FP, previous use of an FP method, and being married were found to be independent predictors for PPFP use. When comparing intervention and non-intervention groups, there was no significant effect on contraceptive use (adjusted OR 0.633 [95% CI 0.385-1.040]). pamphlet-supported counseling of mothers in the first 10 weeks postpartum did not increase PPFP at nine months postpartum. Successful interventions will likely require holistic strategies, especially in resource-limited settings. The trial had been registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04521517) on September 24, 2019.

HUBUNGAN KARAKTERISTIK IBU NIFAS TERHADAP PEMILIHAN METODE KONTRASEPSI PASCASALIN DI PUSKESMAS SELOPAMPANG KABUPATEN TEMANGGUNG

Objective: The goals and benefits of family planning are to slow population growth , regulate spacing and delay pregnancy , reduce infant mortality , empower communities and improve education , and reduce teenage pregnancies ( young ages ). Postpartum mothers in their 42 days are very important to use family planning , but there are still many who still feel afraid , indecisive and unsure about doing family planning . especially postpartum family planning , especially for IUD acceptor users . Meanwhile , for injections , respondents also feel afraid of drastic weight gain . For pills , you must always remember every day . This study aimed to determine the relationship between the characteristics of postpartum mothers and the choice of their contraceptive methodsMethods: This research was an observational analytic study using cross sectional approach . The sampling technique used was a saturated sample with a whole population of 60 postpartum women in their 42 days as respondentsResults: The results of the study revealed that there was no relationship between the characteristics of the postpartum mothers and the choice of postpartum contraceptive methods. The statistical test used was the chi - square test . Based on the results of the analytical test using the Chi - square test , it was known that p - 0.179 was greater than p - value &lt; 0.05 so that it could be concluded that there was no relationship between the characteristics of the postpartum mother's work and the choice of their contraceptive methodsConclusion: There was no relationship between the characteristics of the postpartum mother's work and the choice of their contraceptive methods . Midwives need to improve education or motivation for postpartum mothers regarding the importance of using family planningÂ

Utilization of Family Planning Services in Africa’s Most Populous Nation, are we at a tipping point

Background Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, with a population growth rate of 2.53 percent, one of the highest contributors to the global maternal and new born deaths burden. Family planning service utilization has remained low despite efforts by development partners and the government. Hence, the need to examine the utilization of family planning services in order to understand regional preferences, trends, patterns, and utilization associated factors such as accessibility and availability of the services to the populace. Methodology Critical analysis regarding the utilization of family planning in Nigeria was used with source data from NDHS 2003, 2008, 2013, and 2018 and DHIS2. The analysis focused on the utilization of family planning services and most utilized family planning options. Finding Contraceptive use among women of reproductive age is generally higher in the northern region than in the southern region. A five-year trend in the utilization of family planning services by women of reproductive age is showed a slightly declining trend in the utilization of family planning services by women of reproductive age in the country.Injectables and implants were married women’s most utilized family planning options. As reported by health facilities, utilization of family planning services in 2021 showed that condoms and implants were the most utilized family planning options. Conclusion The findings urge the need to intensify sensitization among the rural populace on the benefits of family planning, improve female literacy and empowerment, and make easily accessible family planning services and commodities.

Beyond knowledge acquisition: factors influencing family planning utilization among women in conservative communities in Rural Burundi

BackgroundWith a fertility rate of 5.4 children per woman, Burundi ranked as seventh country with the highest fertility rate in the world. Family planning is an effective way of achieving desirable family size, appropriate birth spacing and significant reduction in unintended pregnancies. Furthermore, family planning has been linked to improvements in maternal health outcomes. Yet, in spite of the overwhelming evidence on the benefits of family planning and despite high knowledge and free services, utilisation is low especially in rural communities with conservative people. Employing a mixed methods approach, this study first quantifies contraceptive prevalence and second, explores the contextual multilevel factors associated with low family planning utilisation among community members.MethodsAn explanatory sequential mixed study was conducted. Five hundred and thirty women in union were interviewed using structured and pre-tested questionnaire. Next, 11 focus group discussions were held with community members composed of married men and women, administrative and religious leaders (n = 132). The study was conducted in eighteen collines of two health districts of Vyanda and Rumonge in Bururi and Rumonge provinces in Burundi. Quantitative data was analysed with SPSS and qualitative data was coded and deductive thematic methods were applied to find themes and codes.ResultsThe overall contraceptive prevalence was 22.6%. From logistic modelling analysis, it was found that women aged 25 to 29 (aOR 5.04 (95% CI 2.09–10.27 p = 0.038), those that have completed secondary school and having four or less children were significantly associated with use of family planning (aOR 1.72 (95%1.35–2.01) p = 0.002). Among factors why family planning was unused included experience with side effects and costs associated with its management in the health system. Religious conceptualisation and ancestral negative beliefs of family planning had also shaped how people perceived it. Furthermore, at the household level, gender imbalances between spouses had resulted in break in communication, also serving as a factor for non-use of family planning.ConclusionGiven that use of family planning is rooted in negative beliefs emanating mainly from religious and cultural practices, engaging local religious leaders and community actors may trigger positive behaviours change needed to increase its use.

Patterns of triggers, ideation and motivational factors of contraceptive utilization among women and gate-keepers in Nigeria: a scoping study on the resilient and accelerated scale up of DMPA-SC in Nigeria (RASUDIN)

BackgroundWomen have unfair share in the burden of unintended pregnancy outcome and unhealthy interpregnancy intervals. An understanding of the triggers, ideation and motivational factors influencing utilization of modern contraceptives is relevant for efforts aimed at increasing utilization among the general public, specifically sexually active women. The objective of this study is to explore the triggers, ideation and motivational factors influencing the use of modern family planning methods including depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate subcutaneous (DMPA-SC).MethodsQualitative methods which include; Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and In-depth Interviews (IDIs) were used to elicit information from women of reproductive age and gate-keepers in selected Nigerian states; Rivers, Ogun, Kwara, Niger, Anambra, Delta, Lagos, Enugu and Oyo. The categories of respondents include; unmarried women aged 18-25 years, women in union aged 18-24 years using modern family planning (FP), women in union aged 25-49 years using modern FP, women in union aged 26-49 years non-users of modern FP, community leaders, health facility focal person, husbands of current users of modern FP, husbands of non-users of modern FP, religious leaders, state FP coordinators and women aged 18-49 years who currently use DMPA-SC. Maximum variation sampling techniques was used to enlist participants to participate in both FGDs and IDIs.ResultsRespondents reported being motivated to use FP for reasons such as benefits of the method, economic situation, suitability of the methods, fear of unwanted pregnancy and its convenience. Further analysis showed that the unmarried respondents discussed more about fear of unwanted pregnancy and accessibility and affordability as a key motivator; while women in union discussed more on economic situations, encouragement from partners and benefits of FP when compared with the unmarried. In addition, respondents reported that their partners, health workers and friends influenced their decisions to use FP. Partners’ encouragement, personal experience, accessibility and availability, awareness of FP and its benefits; willingness to space children and costs were notable enablers of FP use. The triggers for FP use were; appointment cards, phone calls from health workers, reminders (text messages, phone alarms and partners’ support).ConclusionIncreasing utilization therefore requires a well-planned horizontal approach that considers all enabling factors influencing utilization including women’s empowerment. Family planning programmes that are client centered, address socio-cultural and gender norms and ensure access to contraceptive mix methods are recommended to improve utilization rate. This study recommends improved care-seeking behaviour through community-based awareness creation to address myths and misconceptions of family planning use, establishment of contraceptive delivery teams to prevent challenges of availability and accessibility, value clarification and tasks shifting among others to deal with the issue of inadequate family planning utilization.

Радіоповідомлення щодо планування сім’ї, спрямовані на чоловіків та жінок у суспільстві, що розвивається: кейс-дослідження

The study examined radio family planning messages with particular reference to the nature of the audience influence on communication content by using a chat program on radio in a developing society. The study adopted content analysis research method with a purposive sampling technique and used a radio script having six items for analyses. Results showed that there were more family planning segments for women than for men and, there were more family planning for drugs/pills and materials/implantation than for injection. In addition, there were side effects in the use of family planning just as there were quite a number of frequently asked questions except for condoms-fiesta/kiss. This paper concludes that radio scripts/messages for family planning programs should accommodate more topics/segments of family planning for men and women, specifically, natural methods should be included. Furthermore, radio family planning messages should focus more on the benefits of family planning and specifically the benefits of contraceptive pill and post pill emergency should be examined. Other formats of programs should be employed in the campaign for family planning messages on radio, and development communicators and content developers of radio family planning scripts should explore more areas to make radio messages more robust.

Contraceptive use by married women or concubines living in rural areas in Burkina Faso: a qualitative study of free voucher use

Introductionles faibles niveaux d’utilisation des contraceptifs en Afrique de l’Ouest sont responsables de taux de fécondité élevés, ce qui limite le développement économique. Le coût des contraceptifs modernes étant une contrainte importante, le gouvernement du Burkina Faso a décidé de rendre la planification familiale gratuite. Avant cette nouvelle politique, nous avons fourni aux femmes rurales un bon qui leur donnait un accès gratuit aux contraceptifs modernes. L’analyse des déterminants de l’utilisation du bon fournit des informations pertinentes pour le potentiel de la nouvelle politique gouvernementale.Méthodessix mois après la distribution des bons aux femmes dans 30 villages de la province du Houet, nous avons réalisé des focus groups avec des participantes à l’étude et des entretiens individuels approfondis avec des prestataires de soins dans les centres de santé partenaires.Résultatsles avantages de la planification familiale, la gratuité des contraceptifs, l’approbation de leurs maris et l’obligation morale étaient les raisons de l’utilisation du bon par les femmes. Le désir de tomber enceinte, l’opposition de leurs maris (aux contraceptifs), la réticence des femmes, la méconnaissance des contraceptifs par les femmes et les facteurs liés à l’intervention ont été évoqués comme les raisons de la non utilisation des bons.Conclusionla promotion des contraceptifs modernes auprès des couples mariés ou en concubinage exige une approche holistique, combinant à la fois le libre accès aux contraceptifs modernes, la conception de politiques efficaces pour impliquer les hommes dans la planification familiale, et la réduction des préférences de fertilité des couples.

The benefits of family planning (FP) use in Benin: an application of the Demographic Dividend Model (DemDiv)

Background: Despite the increasing interest in improving access to and utilization of family planning (FP) methods, contraceptives prevalence rates remain low in Benin, and its benefits are not well studied. This study projected FP’s benefits for maternal health and child survival over the Sustainable Development Goals period. Methods: The Demographic Dividend Model created by the Health Policy Project using a large range of data was applied based exclusively on assumptions on FP policy options between 2015 and 2030. Results: It was found that, under the base scenario with no improvements in FP, education and economic variables, however unrealistic, the number of children per Beninese woman would be the same in 2030 as it was in 2015 – about 4.5 children per woman. Benin’s age structure would remain very young and be dominated by dependents. But, FP–scenarios of improvements in contraceptive variables alone showed a negative and linear relationship between FP use and maternal and child deaths. Under the optimistic scenario, increasing access to and use of FP alone from 7.9% (2015) to 33.95% (2030) will save lives of about 200,000 under five year children and 10,000 mothers by 2030. In addition, the average number of children per woman will fall to 3.5 increasing female life expectancy by 5 years. Benin’s age structure will be balanced with more working age people. The country will also record an increase in its human development indicator. Conclusion: To accelerate progresses towards improvement of maternal health and child survival, and get on track in meeting related health targets of SDGs, the present study revealed the importance of strengthening actions toward access to and use of FP in Benin Republic. There is also a need to strengthen education and economic policies to successfully harness the demographic dividend.

DETERMINAN PEMILIHAN METODE KONTRASEPSI JANGKA PANJANG PADA AKSEPTOR KB AKTIF DI PUSKESMAS PEDAMARAN

&lt;span lang="IN"&gt;Determinant of the selection of long-term contraceptive methods on family planning acceptors in Pedamaran community health center. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="EN"&gt; The population problem faced by Indonesia is a large population with a low quality of life. Uncontrolled population rate will cause baby booming so information needs to be disseminated about the benefits of family planning (FP). Long-term contraceptive method has a high level of effectiveness and can reduce the rate of population growth. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="EN"&gt;This study aim to determine the factors that affect the selection of long-term contraceptive methods in active family planning acceptors.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="EN"&gt;This study used a cross-sectional study design and using&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="IN"&gt; simple random sampling&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="EN"&gt; technique, consisted of 243 acceptors. Analyzes of data were univariate analysis, bivariate analysis using chi-square test with α = 0.05 and 95% confidence interval value, and multivariate analysis using binary logistic regression.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="EN"&gt;Based on multivariate analysis was the variables significantly related to the selection of long-acting contraception include &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="IN"&gt;age (p = 0.01; OR = 2,24; 95% CI: 1,17-4,29), education (p = 0.01; OR = 0,31; 95% CI: 0,13-0,75) and number of children (p = 0.03; OR = 2; 95% CI: 1,05-3,81).&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="EN"&gt; Thus, age was the variable that had the greatest impact on determining the selection of long-acting contraception.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="IN"&gt;The &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="EN"&gt;acceptors with ≥ 35 years old, low educated and have &amp;gt;2 children more likely to choose long-acting contraception. It is hoped that family planning workers can educate and persuade people of all ages with &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="IN"&gt;different educational backgrounds so total fertility rate can be reduce.&lt;/span&gt;

Why do I Follow the Program KB?

The behavior of mothers who want to become KB acceptor is interesting to be known and studied, considering the many negative views or perception about family planning such as: KB can disturb fertility, contrary to family planning, KB can disrupt health, the view that many children can bring a lot of fortune and etc. This study aims to Explores in depth the factors that pushed the mother into KB acceptor at clinic image of Pratama Citra Husada Kupang. Qualitative research with exploratory design and phenomenology approach. The main informants were mothers who became KB acceptor and supporting informants were the clinic head, BKKBN representative of NTT province and field officer of KB. Data collection is done by: 1. Observation; 2. In-depth interview. Factors that encourage mothers to accept family planning acceptors are: Do not bother to take care of children, Fear when pregnant again with close distance, Mother is in a state of urgency, Consider the child’s education forward, Child’s health is assured and affection to the child can be maximal, Experiencing Trauma in childbirth, To be more successful in the future, consider economic factors and for maternal and child health. Family Planning Program is beneficial for mothers, both physically and psychologically. Mothers who are not yet acceptor of KB need to consider joining family planning program because the benefits of family planning have been very proven in society.

The benefits of family planning (FP) use in Benin: an application of the Demographic Dividend Model (DemDiv).

Background: Despite the increasing interest in improving access to and utilization of family planning (FP) methods, contraceptives prevalence rates remain low in Benin, and its benefits are not well studied. This study projected FP's benefits for maternal health and child survival over the Sustainable Development Goals period. Methods: The Demographic Dividend Model created by the Health Policy Project using a large range of data was applied based exclusively on assumptions on FP policy options between 2015 and 2030. Results: It was found that, under the base scenario with no improvements in FP, education and economic variables, however unrealistic, the number of children per Beninese woman would be the same in 2030 as it was in 2015 - about 4.5 children per woman. Benin's age structure would remain very young and be dominated by dependents. But, FP-scenarios of improvements in contraceptive variables alone showed a negative and linear relationship between FP use and maternal and child deaths. Under the optimistic scenario, increasing access to and use of FP alone from 7.9% (2015) to 33.95% (2030) will save lives of about 200,000 under five year children and 10,000 mothers by 2030. In addition, the average number of children per woman will fall to 3.5 increasing female life expectancy by 5 years. Benin's age structure will be balanced with more working age people. The country will also record an increase in its human development indicator. Conclusion: To accelerate progresses towards improvement of maternal health and child survival, and get on track in meeting related health targets of SDGs, the present study revealed the importance of strengthening actions toward access to and use of FP in Benin Republic. There is also a need to strengthen education and economic policies to successfully harness the demographic dividend.

My husband will love me more if I give birth to more children: Rural women’s perceptions and beliefs on family planning services utilization in a low resource setting

IntroductionResponsibility for family planning in low resource settings is almost solely delegated to women, with very low male involvement. This study investigated rural Tanzanian women’s perceptions and cultural beliefs of the barriers to family planning services utilization. MethodsThis study used a qualitative descriptive approach drawing on four group discussions with 20 purposively selected married women with two or more children. The study followed COREQ guidelines for reporting qualitative studies. Data were collected from participants at four health facilities in Bagamoyo and Kisarawe districts in Pwani, Tanzania. ResultsParticipants’ occupations included housewives, small-scale farmers, and entrepreneurs. Most women were Muslim and had a primary school education.Five main themes were identified: use of modern and traditional family planning methods; my husband will love me more if I give birth to more children; men’s expected roles in family planning; provide education to dispel myths; and religious barriers. Associated sub-themes covered use of strings, snares and pigis; calendars; breastfeeding linked to family planning; men as heroes for having many children; men not having time to attend clinic; and conflicting sources of health information. ConclusionLack of adequate family planning information; beliefs on and use of traditional/unconventional methods; gender roles expectations that influence decision making and limit women’s choices of family planning methods and; socio-cultural and religious beliefs were main perceived barriers for family planning utilization in this study. Mitigation of these barriers depends on the sustained engagement of key stakeholders including religious and community leaders. Health education must be designed to adapt socio-cultural and religious doctrines with benefits of family planning and health outcomes. Health delivery services must also address women’s’ prevailing perceptions and beliefs with emphasize on the partner communication and their encouragement of men’s’ involvement in reproductive health services utilization.

Conocimientos y prácticas sobre métodos de planifi cación familiar en adolescentes escolarizados de Cartagena-Bolívar.

Introducción: En Colombia se capacitan a parejas, madres cabeza de familia y jóvenes adolescentes sobre los benefi cios de la planifi cación familiar, con el objeto de lograr una vida sexual segura y satisfactoria, de tal forma que se tenga conciencia con el fi n de decidir en qué momento y frecuencia se logra la procreación. Objetivo: Identifi car el conocimiento y la práctica que tienen sobre métodos de planifi cación familiar los estudiantes de una Institución Educativa. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, transversal y correlacional. La muestra estuvo conformada por 229 estudiantes (noveno: 38,9%, décimo: 33,6% y undécimo: 27,4%), seleccionada de manera aleatoria simple; se utilizó la encuesta de medición de conocimientos y prácticas sobre métodos de planifi cación familiar. Resultados: La Edad osciló entre 16 y 18 años y corresponde al 51,1 % de estudiantes. Están distribuidos como sigue: hombres 47,6 %, mujeres 52 %, solteros 82,1 %, urbanos 82,1 %, viven con la madre 81,7 % y el 61,8% habla de planifi cación familiar con la madre. Conocen sobre métodos anticonceptivos (94,8%), han recibido información de su uso (92,1%), en el colegio (39,3%) y en la familia (14,4%). Por otra parte, indicaron que el método que consideran previene el embarazo e ITS es el condón (86%), y que en la primera relación sexual puede sobrevenir el embarazo (71,2%). Del mismo modo, por pena o vergüenza no solicitan información sobre los métodos anticonceptivos (51,5%), algunos no han tenido su primera relación sexual (50,7%); también manifestaron que el primer método de planifi cación familiar empleado fue el condón (67%). La mayor información sobre: conocimientos, prácticas y aspectos sociodemográfi cos se relacionó entre sí (p &lt; 0,05). Conclusiones: El conocimiento, las prácticas y las diversas características sociodemográficas repercuten en muchos aspectos de la salud sexual y reproductiva de estos estudiantes.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice on Contraceptive Use among Women Attending Family Planning Services in Some Health Centers of Muhima District Hospital, Rwanda

Introduction: In developing countries, especially in Africa, reproductive health is a great concern to many stakeholders as maternal mortality and morbidity are very high compared to that in the developed world. Moreover, reproductive health knowledge and access to quality maternal health services in Africa are poor with significant health consequences. Appropriate reproductive health knowledge and attitude can empower women to access quality family planning services (preventive and curative), which are essential for improvement of women’s reproductive health. Objectives: This research aimed to assess reproductive health knowledge, attitude, and practice on contraceptive use among women attending family planning services at Muhima district hospital. Methods and Materials: The study was cross-sectional in nature involving 326 randomly selected respondents among women attending family planning services at Muhima district hospital. The study instrument was a self-administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) statistics software 17.0 version. Hypothesis: Looking at the aforementioned objective, one may wonder if the health education on contraceptive use given by health staff of Muhima district hospital is well done; we may also wonder about reproductive health beliefs and determinants of contraceptive use among women attending the family planning service; and to what extent women in Muhima district hospital have access to health education on contraceptive use. Trying to find an interim response to this question, we have come to realize that the impact of belief in personal and community health practices is strong; but individual beliefs may not be scientifically true and as such, may make one rightly or wrongly access health care. Results: The majority of the respondents knew when pregnancy can occur and believed that having sex even once with a man may result in pregnancy. 90.0% of respondents had knowledge of benefits of family planning. Consideration about personal health (86.0%) and husband’s approval (74.9%) were major determinants of respondents’ use of contraceptives. Conclusions: Though respondents were knowledgeable about the benefits of family planning, there is the need for continuous education of women about reproductive health issues and integration of men’s participation in the family planning program to increase utilization of family planning services at Muhima district hospital.

The Relationship of the Reproductive Health Messages Toward Healthy Reproduction Practice

Background: Inconsistent in contraceptive usage gave additional challenges to the government to control population growth. Objective: This study aimed to explain the relationship of reproductive health behavioral messages (RHBM) exposure to healthy reproduction practice (HRP) among married women of 20 to 35 years old and to identify factors that made these women receptive to the RHBM exposure. Method: One-hundred-and-thirty-four respondents were selected which 24 of them then selected as informants. Data were collected using questionnaire and a Focus Group Discussion. Three RHBM have used i.e. the healthy reproduction criteria, the methods of the family planning (FP) and the benefits of FP. The respondents were defined as having a positive HRP if used long-acting contraceptive. Result: The study found an increasing on respondent’s reproductive health knowledge did not increase positive HRP. The respondents who used long-acting contraceptive preferred use a personal communication channel rather than a mass media. Conclusion: None of these RHBM had proved the relationship of the RHBM exposure to the HRP did exist. The study identified six factors could make women receptive to the RHBM exposure i.e. the delivered information should contain the risk and the benefits, the source of information's was credible, the information had visual attractiveness, was easy to spot, interactive, and intensive.

Factors associated with contraceptive use in Tigray, North Ethiopia

BackgroundFamily planning interventions are cost-effective and have several cross-cutting benefits. Despite these benefits of family planning, progress in ensuring universal access to family planning to women in developing countries has been slow. In light of this; this study investigated the prevalence and factors associated with contraceptive use in Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 1966 women of reproductive age group (15–49) in 13 districts (3 urban and 10 rural) from May-June 2015. Multistage sampling technique was employed to approach the study participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Multiple variable logistic regression analysis was used to identify the effect of independent variables on utilization of contraceptive use.ResultsOut of total 1966 women, 1879 (95.6%) have ever heard about family planning. Depo-Provera (depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, or DMPA) was the most popular contractive method as mentioned by 1757 (93.5%) of the participants. The overall contraceptive prevalence rate among all women was 623 (35.6%) while the contraceptive prevalence rate among married women was 543 (41.0%). Seven-in-ten women had ever used short acting contraceptive. In fact Depo-Provera was the most common type of contraceptive used as mentioned by 402 (64.5%) of the women.The odds of using family planning by married women living in urban areas was two times more than their counterparts (AOR = 2.0, 95% of CI: 1.33, 3.06). Similarly, the odds of using family planning among mothers with primary education was 1.3 times more as compared with no education (AOR = 1.3, 95% of CI: 1.02,1.93). However, as regards to long acting contraceptive methods, the odds of using long acting contraceptive methods use among married women in urban areas was 50% less when compared to rural married women (AOR = 0.5, 95% of CI: 0.3, 0.88).ConclusionContraceptive prevalence rate in Tigray region increased almost four fold in just 15 years. However, the increase is not yet enough to meet national and global targets. Further interventions are needed to narrow disparities in contraceptive use among different population groups and increase long acting contraceptive users. Moreover, improving quality of family planning in terms of the content of information provided to clients is crucial.